Newark

Living in a college town keeps you young, which may be part of the reason so many 55+ plus communities have sprung up around Newark. The city offers the full range of housing styles and prices, a Main Street and developing Elkton Road/South Main Street lined with charming shops and good restaurants, and a university that offers—to all—live theater, film series, lectures, readings, art exhibitions and top-notch athletics. That’s not to mention homegrown attractions like the Newark Arts Alliance and Chapel Street Players. Large, beautiful parks on the outskirts offer many kinds of outdoor recreation. Large and small employers abound. And the town loves a party: The annual restaurant week, Community Day, Newark Night, a longstanding Memorial Day parade and public trick-or-treating are just the start of the fun.
School District: Christina
Taxes: 3.0401
Median home cost: $180,200
Commute: 24
Safety: 7-5
Arts and culture: 4
Shopping and dining: 4
Nightlife: 4